The Los Angeles Kings have been trying to address their goaltending issues for several years, and it seems they are now focusing on acquiring NHL standout Igor Shesterkin.
Recently, reports have surfaced indicating that while the New York Rangers aim to secure their star goalie Igor Shesterkin, he has reportedly declined the largest contract offer ever made to an NHL goaltender. Amid this uncertainty, negotiations seem to be at a standstill; an extension is not imminent, and it’s unclear if the team is prepared to trade their former Vezina Trophy winner. Nevertheless, rival teams are formulating significant trade proposals, with the Kings showing serious interest in the talented Russian goalie.
According to a source, “The Kings are crafting a substantial trade offer to the NY Rangers for Igor. They’ve faced goaltending challenges and have been openly expressing their desire for Shesterkin. They would be willing to extend an 8-year maximum contract to him. While this isn’t outright collusion, it’s common for teams to communicate with player agents about other teams’ players, and Shesterkin’s rejection of the mega offer a couple of days ago suggests he’s aware that other teams may offer more.”
This information comes from Eklund of Hockey Buzz, who identifies the Kings as one of several teams likely to intensify their pursuit of Shesterkin if uncertainties persist in New York. With Shesterkin hitting free agency at the end of the season, trading him could be the Rangers’ best option if they cannot reach an agreement. Throughout his career, Shesterkin has compiled an impressive 136-59-17 record for New York, along with a 2.42 GAA and a .921 save percentage, making him one of the league’s top goaltenders.
Currently, there are no immediate developments regarding Shesterkin’s situation with the Rangers, whether relating to a trade or a new contract. However, given the Kings’ impressive young prospects, they are likely to gain traction if a resolution isn’t reached soon.
